Stocksbridge RUFC

 Round 17 of the Counties 4 Yorkshire South competition was supposed to feature Knottingley RUFC visit the Coal Pit Lane Arena to face Globe Holidays sponsored Stocksbridge Rugby. Unfortunately for all concerned the West Yorkshire outfit, & not for the first time this season, were unable to raise a side & were forced to concede a ‘home walk over’ to the Stocksbridge club. ‘it’s disappointing when this happens’, said a frustrated player/coach Aaron Kaye, before adding, ‘the boys have prepped well & we were ready for a good contest, one in which we were looking to put in a good performance’. Stocksbridge held an inter club match to give the squad some valuable game time, & there was plenty of endeavour & effort on show. The League will have to look at the number of ‘walk over’ results for next season, as most clubs have had a stop/start campaign which doesn’t help anyone. There needs to be a more complete fixture list for all involved. Of the games that were played, the results, including a surprise win for Maltby over Sheffield Medics will consign Stocksbridge to 4^th place in the league ladder with just one fixture left. This is a clear improvement on recent seasons, & a reflection on the training & preparation lead by rookie coach Aaron Kaye. Stocksbridge Rugby will complete their league campaign with the visit of the students on 5^th April with a 3pm kick off, having beaten the students twice so far this season, Kaye & his troops will be looking to finish their season with another victory. Stocksbridge will also be looking to add more silverware to their trophy cabinet when they take part in the Midweek Spring Cup during the coming weeks. The 1^st XV squad will be presented with their Fox Valley Trophy winners medals at the Club’s annual awards evening on Friday 25^th April, where 10 other awards for the season will be announced.

Written by Andrew Tyers